clocks

[geneVG]

I was just looking at some of Steves clocks.  Some have a back on them, how is a person suppose to change the batteries when they die?

gene

[dgman]

Hey Gene, All of Steve's clocks use inserts. They just pop in, and pop out to change the battery. When you buy the inserts, they come with instructions to set the clock and to change the battery.

[geneVG]

Hi Dan,
Some clocks have a AA battery in them.  If you cover up the back how do you change the battery then?

gene

[dgman]

Gene, Still, Most of Steve's clock patterns use inserts. I just looked at his pattern catalog. there are four that use a quartz movement. Those are accessible from the back of the clock. All others use what are called "fit ups", Which are inserts. All inserts are removable. I have several clocks around the house which use large fit ups that are easily removable to change the batteries.
Go to www.sloanswoodshop.com and check out the clock insert. You will get an idea on how they work.

[tux_linux]

I recommend a back, because otherwise you'll see the backside of the clock insert. The small inserts need about 1/3" of space, so I use 1/3" (9mm) or 1/2" ply and a back of at least 1/8" - depending on the pattern and what looks best.
First cut only the clock insert. Glue front ply to back ply and then cut the rest.

[Northerner]

i wish the clock makers would include a back plate/plug that snaps in like
the insert does and just covers the back hole

also the inserts i have use the little N battery and its about two bucks which
is crap but i suppose a AAA wont fit in the real small inserts?

[geneVG]

Hey Northener, go to sloans website and you can get the little batteries for .95 cents each.  I am like you on the covers for the back.
gene

[dgman]

If you are using wood that is thicker than the insert, don't drill all the way through the blank. If you use a forstner bit set the depth deep enough for the insert clearance, but not all the way through!

[tux_linux]

the usual 1 7/16" inset does require a depth of ~3/8" (10mm). not more. It's a bit of a challenge to get that hole into a 1/2" wood, which is just a little bit thicker than the inset. But it's possible.

Another option is to simply drill through. After that apply a thin back to the complete piece. When dry cut the pattern:

[J,Hamilton]

You could always drill a small hole through the piece using the center point from the forstner bit as a guide. Some people are afraid to scratch the finish on the face of the piece. This method will allow you to slide something small and rigid into the back for an easy pop of the clock.

[edward]

 I drill a small hole through the back, like !/8th where you can stick a small object to pop the clock out to change the battery. Edward

[tux_linux]

mine have a rubber ring - it's simple to pull them out. Don't yours have that rubber to hold the inset in too?

[math2010]

If I understand, you don't glue the insert in the pattern?
So the hole needs to be really tight with the insert, so the insert clock won't fall?

[Keefie]

I use 35mm watch inserts, they come with a metal fixing case, you cut the hole and fit the metal fixing case then when you pop the watch insert into position it pushes out a little clip in the side to lock it all in position. They pop out fairly easy too to change the batteries and you dont need to be as accurate as with the rubber fixing rings (I find with the rubber ring fixings slightly too small a hole and it wont push in properly and slightly too big and they fall out)

[dgman]

If I understand, you don't glue the insert in the pattern?
So the hole needs to be really tight with the insert, so the insert clock won't fall?

Yes, you do not glue the insert into the wood. It is always best to drill the hole with a forstner bit. A forstner bit drills a flat bottom hole. They are designed so you can drill a hole without drilling all the way through. They come in all the sizes you need for any clock insert. For best results, it is best to use a drill press.
You can cut the hole with the scroll saw if you can cut the hole accurately. If you cut it to large, the insert won't stay in. If you cut to small, you will have to sand or file the hole to fit.
The inserts come with a means to grab the inside of the hole. Some have rubber gaskets for a friction fit, others have built in clips that clip inside the hole.